I refer to Dailan Pugh’s excellent analysis ‘Byron on Steroids’? in the Echonetdaily recently.
His well founded research and analysis is a wake-up call for all citizens who are confused/confounded and despairing of rampant environmental destruction and social development in the Byron Shire.
We are aware that all environmental protections have been slashed. Indeed, to achieve this all democratic structures that aid decision making processes, and promote citizen rights have also suffered the same fate; this has been achieved by the callous advancement of the pro-development faction represented by Cr Sol Ibraham’s faction in council.
Their hubris continues to advance aided by their invisible roller skates!
We note from Dailan’s article ‘Byron Council is now proposing to double Byron Shire’s current population by releasing 3,800 hectares of rural land for residential development. his is the biggest land release in Byron’s history… if you allow them to get away with this , they will include these lands in the current regional strategy’.
Citizens of Byron can stop this by articulating their objections to council by May 20.
A very dark script supports this potential development/ecocide. The ordinary person is left wondering what corporate conglomerates are aiding Sol’s ‘vision’?
How much longer can he achieve his aims by exercising wilful ignorance when the rights of nature demand representation?
In Canada, ‘wilful ignorance’ is a criminal act (Suzuki’s lecture in Sydney several years ago). And what do we do about real estate agent Rose Wanchap; a Clayton Green who defected to Sol’s power once elected?
Surely we are witnessing the grossest display of conflict of interest.
Is it ethical, right and proper that Rose, a Byron Bay real estate agent, continue to represent aspects of the community while a the same time potentially garnering profit from the present decision making processes?
The democratic carnage is palpable. Her defection left a large majority of the community, who supported her, totally disenfranchised. Add to this the environmental vandalism that is proposed.
Perhaps Rose did not know what she was letting herself into. Do read Daillan’s article Rose, he advocates appropriate development.
This darkness for the rest of the community, is like living through a Biblical curse as the subterranean snake slivers through land and sea; determined to challenge the Gods and destroy Paradise.
Rose you will be much admired if you change your Karmic path. Holding the balance of power you also hold the fate of future generations and your community.
Jo Faith, Newtown
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
